AI and Therapy
AI tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly being used to help people think through difficult situations, understand their emotions and find different perspectives.
Personally, I think AI is a useful tool for research, with access to a vast amount of information. However, it is important to recognise that using AI isn't the same as therapy and can't replace working with a trained therapist.
People are using AI to help them understand themselves and situations better, and you might want to bring something you've discussed with AI into your therapy sessions and use it as a starting point for further exploration.
I believe professional therapy offers something extra. One of the main benefits is human empathy and compassion, and forming a relationship with another person who can listen, notice patterns and body language, understand the wider context of your life and think alongside you. There is also space to explore the feelings and experiences that sit beneath the words.
For me, AI and therapy don't have to be either/or. Used thoughtfully, AI can be another tool to support reflection, while talking therapy offers a human relationship away from screens and space to explore things more deeply.
If you’re using AI to explore something, you might find it helpul to ask yourself a few questions:
What am I hoping to get from this?
Are you looking for information, reassurance, a different perspective, or trying to understand something your feeling?
AI can be useful for information and different perspectives, and in talking therapy we can explore why you might be looking for reassurance, what sits behind a feeling, or why something feels difficult.
How do I feel after reading the response?
Do you feel clearer, or has it left you more anxious, confused or caught up in you thoughts?
Sometimes finding out new information and opinions can feel overwhelming. In therapy, you can have the space to slow down, notice what is happening and make sense of your response, with trained professional alongside you.
If you've been using AI and want to explore some of your thoughts or findings further through talking therapy, you're welcome to arrange a free 20-minute initial conversation with me. This is an opportunity to ask any questions and get a sense of whether we might work well together.